Cultural Connections Committee

Ethnic Awareness Committee July 26, 2012 3:30 pm Nashua City Hall In attendance were Chair Ann Ackerman, Ronni Karlsberg, Muchuma Niva, Scott Jaquith, , Sharon Dalton, Tom Lopez, Mary Ann Melizzi-Golia, Jennifer Hinderer, Claudia Mahar, Rev. Bruce Bradshaw, Mary Bradshaw, Rev. Tom Woodward and Carlos Camacho Absent were Paul Bergeron, Pat Howson, Andrew Smith, Rabbi Jon Spira-Savette, Karen Emis- Williams and Carmen Nunez 1. Chairman Ackerman introduced Mayor DonnaLee Lozeau. The Mayor spoke about the EAC. Stating that the city is much different than it was when the EAC started, particularly in the schools. Points of interest were:  The Resettlement issue and the Gate City Initiative established as a sub-committee of the EAC  The Mayor feels that the EAC should bring challenges to the table, be good and strong and should be the lead group in diversity. She is in full support of the EAC.  Before the Mayor took office, people who resettled in Nashua were victims of their countries of origin. When they came to Nashua they were victims here. Mary asked if there is currently an influx in the number of refugees The Mayor responded that there may be in increase, and she will know who, what and when, but has no information right now. Scott brought up that the skills of the refugees do not match the available job openings, i.e. farming. He added that children are carrying the burden of the parents. He mentioned the “language line”. The Mayor stated there is so much the children should not be allowed to translate. She also stated that when people are brought here, surrounding communities should be looked at job placements. Sharon stated that the Gate City Initiative (the Initiative) seems to be dwindling. The Mayor explained that when the Gate City Initiative was formed, they were in receipt of a grant. When that grant ran out, the group started to slow down. She would like to see the EAC in touch with the Initiative, since it is a sub committee of the EAC. Maryann stated that if the Initiative is a sub-committee of the EAC, we should receive copies of their minutes. Muchuma asked what makes a city a “Good City to Live In”. The Mayor responded that education, jobs, diversity, skilled work force and low crime rate are the criteria for making Nashua a “Good City to Live In”. Mary asked who communicates with the Refugee families. The Mayor responded that refugees are a very small component of the EAC, and that the committee needs to be pro-active. She suggested we plan a city-wide event that would focus on diversity, such as a cultural parade, or maybe some other “fun” things. Sharon mentioned the soccer tournament in October that hosts teams from all over, with different cultures. She suggested we put the EAC as a “sponsor” for this weekend event. The Mayor suggested a workshop day be held for the public to have discussions and answer questions regarding the diversity in the city. Tom Woodward asked how do we take advantage of some of the governmental things that are going on. For example, he suggested we be very concerned with housing issues in Nashua. Tom Lopez asked if the EAC could give direction to the Gate City Initiative. Ann responded that meeting should be held with them. Claudia added that there should not be duplication of efforts with EAC and the Initiative. Jennifer asked if there is a mentoring program for mentoring parents. Sharon responded that there is no such program for parents. It was suggested that the City Clerk’s official “book” include information about services that are available for new people who settle here. The city website can be translated into any language. Sharon suggested that the EAC membership be extended to people who have been refugees who settled in the area, to get their perspective. The Mayor suggested and it was agreed upon that the members of the EAC would make a list of the top 3 problems in the community and 3 things that can be done to celebrate the ethnicity in the community. They should be e-mailed to Paul Bergeron. Claudia spoke about “Veterans Count” which is a service for veterans and their families. It is handled out of Easter Seals. The coordinator of the program is in touch with people with problems before they get into the VA system. Sharon stated that there is a meeting of the Hispanic Outreach on August 17th at 12:30 PM at the Nashua Community College. Maryann mentioned a program entitled “Emancipation Again” which a civic, educational and artistic exploration of the legacy of freedom. She will send out the information. The next meeting will be August 16, 2012 2. Motion by Claudia (seconded by Tom L) to accept the minutes of the June meeting. Muchuma Niva requested that his name be corrected in the minutes. The motion passed 10-0-0. 3. Motion by Tom L (seconded by Claudia) to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed 10-0-0